Mentors
Dr. Laurel Childress works for the Gulf Coast Repository (GCR) at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas (USA) as the Supervisor of Science Services and she was previously an Expedition Project Manager/Staff Scientist for the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). Both roles have included providing scientific expertise, leadership, and advocacy to science services as well as contributing to science engagement, education, and outreach activities. Her research includes biogeochemical cycling and scientific ocean drilling (SOD) data mining. While she has sailed many times on other vessels, she is excited for her first cruise on the R/V Sally Ride.
Dr. Warner Ithier‑Guzmán is an Associate Professor in the School of Biology and Physical Sciences at Daytona State College, where he also serves as Director of the Environmental Science and Technology Program. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Oceanography from the University of South Florida, an M.S. in Environmental Protection and Evaluation, and a B.S. in Biology from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico.
He is deeply committed to experiential learning and community engagement, leading student-centered fieldwork, service-learning projects, and collaborations with community based organizations. His professional development includes extensive training in geoscience education, environmental monitoring, PFAS research, radionuclide applications, and climate science through programs supported by the National Science Foundation, Savannah River National Laboratory, and other agencies. Dr. Ithier‑Guzmán continues to advance environmental science education through innovative teaching, interdisciplinary research, and active service to both academic and local communities.
Jose Cuevas is a Science Communicator and Senior Digital Community Manager at the Museum of Science, Boston. They hold an MS in Geology from Boston College and a BA in Marine Science from the University of San Diego. Their research interests include the marine carbon cycle, paleoceanography, and seagoing science communication. This will be their third STEMSEAS cruise and a homecoming to their first STEMSEAS ship, the RV Sally Ride.
Students
Hello! My name is Gideon Tong. I am a second-year computer science major at Chabot College in Hayward, California. I’m really looking forward to learning all about the computers and systems that a research vessel uses. My focus is on the application of computer science in research and other fields, and on this trip, I’m super excited to explore and learn about the tech involved in oceanography.
My hobbies include solving crosswords, reading web serials, and playing video games. Additionally, I’m part of a few clubs on campus including the computer science club, game development club, and a club that runs programming workshops for kids in the local community.
I’m so excited for this opportunity and I look forward to learning a lot on this expedition!
Hello! My name is Jamiya Ficklin, and I am a freshman studying Biology on the pre-pharmacy track at Fort Valley State University. I became interested in healthcare through learning how different medications affect the body, which led me to pursue a career as a clinical pharmacist with a focus on mental health.
I enjoy making a positive impact on others and have gained experience volunteering with my county’s 4-H program, where I assist with STEM workshops. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and journaling.
My name is Olivia Fair and I am an electrical engineering student at Northwest Arkansas Community College. I hope to have a career using engineering to solve climate related issues, and leave a positive impact through technology. I am excited for this opportunity to gain hands-on experience in marine science and learn from everyone on board.
Hi! My name is Khuong Phan, and I am a community college student at Chabot College. I’m majoring in Data Science with the goal of applying it in the healthcare and medical field. I plan to transfer to a four-year university in the near future. Outside of school, I enjoy working on computer-related projects, especially in game development and AI integration. I find it exciting to train AI to play games and explore computer vision. In my free time, I also enjoy playing competitive video games and watching anime. STEMSEAS is my first experience in scientific research, and I’m truly excited for the opportunity to learn and grow through it.
Hello, my name is Rachel Snyder, and I am a second-year undergraduate at University of Delaware. I am currently pursuing a double major in Art and Marine Science with a concentration in oceanography. Creating art and studying the ocean are both lifelong passions of mine, and I love exploring the rich world of potential that exists in the overlap between these disciplines. This expedition is my first-ever voyage on a research vessel! Up until now, most of my geosciences education has happened in classrooms on dry land, so I am thrilled for this opportunity to finally get hands-on experience at sea with oceanographic instruments and methods. My hope is that STEMSEAS will illuminate ways to turn my passions into a career, while also informing my artistic practice. In my free time, I enjoy composing electronic music, journaling, and teaching myself 3D modeling and animation. I am also a proud member of the UD marching band.
Hello! My name is Valentina Perez Garcia. I am a fourth-year undergrad studying Biology at Universidad Ana G. Méndez in Puerto Rico. I fell in love with marine science through fieldwork and research, where I helped monitor coral reef soundscapes and worked alongside non-profit Sociedad Ambiente Marino, experiences that deepened my commitment to Caribbean ecosystems. Through internships, I have had the opportunity to expand my acoustics work beyond the tropics, including passive acoustic monitoring in Puget Sound, which showed me how soundscape methods translate across very different marine ecosystems. I also participated in a Marine Technology Society program that sparked my passion for hands-on technology at sea, and I am especially excited to continue building those skills through STEMSEAS. Looking ahead, I hope to continue this work through academic research and by staying actively involved in science outreach and education. When I’m not in the field, I love reading and especially traveling with friends, and I find a lot of joy in mentoring fellow students in science along the way. Sounding off 🙂
My name is Zarah and I am currently a student at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Integrative Biology! I am passionate about most aspects of biology, so much so that I couldn’t choose a specific concentration. My educational journey has been a whirlwind, full of leadership roles, work experiences, and many classes that I have gradually been able to find my purpose through. In my free time I enjoy various arts and crafts, cooking, and gaming. I became interested in this internship because of its unique approach to studying science. Marine biology/oceanography is something I am eager to learn more about through this experience! I am beyond excited to participate in a STEM SEAS voyage and I look forward to setting sail during the opportunity of a lifetime!!
Hi, my name is Maryam Siddiqui! I am a 2nd year student at Bellevue College and will be attending the University of Washington Seattle this fall after getting my associates in arts and sciences. I live in the pacific northwest, under a near constant cover of rain and clouds, where I grew to love hiking and exploring our beautiful lakes and coastline. I plan on majoring in bioresource engineering with a minor in journalism. I hope to connect my curiosity and interest in math to make our environment and world a better place. I also enjoy being creative through painting, drawing, graphic design, and basically anything which involves crafting. I love trying new things and being outside so I am very excited and honored to be a part of this expedition.
Hello all! I’m Jasmine Fernandez, currently a student at Mission College. I’m originally from So-Cal and have my Associates in Medical Assisting but have decided to switch careers into Environmental Sciences. I moved to the Bay Area in 2023 and fell in love with this field after taking my first Marine Bio course. I love learning about the world and working with data. I think I’d like to explore a career in Geology or in GIS. Outside of school, I like playing D&D, going to the beach, and being out in nature. I’m super excited to meet everybody and get some hands on experience!
